Arsenal: Inspired defence ready for Man City test but attacking fears grow for key title clash
Not for the first time this season, David Raya was Arsenal’s hero as they left Italy with a point and yet another clean sheet.
The goalkeeper’s double save to keep out Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui’s penalty, and then his follow-up header, was truly remarkable and the reason Arsenal kicked off their Champions League campaign with a goalless draw.
Mikel Arteta hailed the saves as two of the best he’s seen in his career, while Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini dubbed Raya “a cat”, such was the speed of his reflexes.
This point was another feather in the cap for Arsenal’s defence and Raya especially, with the goalkeeper arguably the Gunners’ player of the season so far.
Arsenal have conceded just one goal in five games, keeping four clean sheets, and it is why they will be confident going into Sunday’s showdown at the Etihad Stadium.
Arteta’s side showed once again on Thursday night how they have a defence that can shut down any game.
Atalanta are awkward opponents, playing a unique man-to-man system, and they thumped teams on their way to winning the Europa League last season.
Liverpool were beaten 3-0 by them at Anfield, while Bayer Leverkusen lost by the same scoreline in the final - which was the German’s side only defeat all season.
Arsenal, however, stifled Atalanta in a manner that bodes well ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.
Other than Raya’s heroic double save, the Spaniard had little to do. Arsenal’s centre-backs were dominant once again, while full-backs Ben White and Jurrien Timber were steady, too.
Left-back was a problem area for Arsenal last season, with Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu all getting a run there.
Timber has locked down that position now, though, and the defence has been unchanged for the past four games.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes it is the best in the Premier League - and it is hard to argue otherwise. The concern ahead of a trip to City, though, is that Arsenal’s attack is not at the same level.
This was not a night for free-flowing attacking football, as is often the case away from home in Europe, but Arsenal were particularly stodgy in possession.
The absence of Martin Odegaard was clearly felt and Arteta’s side lacked the control he brings in midfield. Kai Havertz was tasked with playing the same role - and he was steady - but there was not the same creativity Odegaard brings.
Gabriel Jesus, handed the captain’s armband and a start up front, tried to dovetail with Havertz, dropping deep at times so the German could go forward and act as a focal point.
Even that, though, did not click and there will clearly be some teething problems as Arsenal brace themselves for a stint without their captain.
Arsenal may have the best defence in the Premier League - the worry is their attack is not at the same level
The good news for Arteta is that, while he searches for answers, the defence can be leaned upon. That will surely be the case on Sunday at the Etihad, where a point feels like a good result for Arsenal given the absence of Odegaard.
Teams often talk about having firepower in attack, but Arsenal’s biggest weapons are currently in defence and, as they looked to close out the game against Atalanta, Arteta had the luxury of throwing on Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italian did not look out of place and Arsenal should look to play on those strengths against City this weekend. Raya undoubtedly forms a big part of that and it is incredible to think of how transformed he is from a year ago.
The Spaniard looked tentative and nervy after joining on loan from Brentford, perhaps feeling the pressure of competing with Aaron Ramsdale to be Arsenal’s No1. Now Ramsdale has left, Raya has gone to a new level and any lingering talk about Arteta’s bold decision to change goalkeepers has ended. Raya has made Arsenal’s imposing defence even meaner.
